coffee
coffee
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒfi/
cof- /kɒf/
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
/ɒ/ - open back rounded vowel
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
-fee /fi/
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/i/ - close front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: coffee
Plural Noun: coffees (referring to multiple cups of coffee, multiple varieties of coffee, or multiple orders of coffee)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A popular, stimulating beverage: A dark, aromatic drink prepared by brewing roasted and ground beans from the Coffea plant in hot water, typically consumed for its invigorating effects due to its caffeine content.
Synonyms: brew, java (informal), joe (informal), mud (informal, often for strong coffee), espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha (specific types of coffee beverages)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for the beverage itself, but consider terms for other drinks or substances that induce relaxation) tea, water, soda, juice, tranquilizer, sedative
The raw or prepared beans: The roasted and often ground seeds of the Coffea plant from which the beverage is made. These can be whole beans, ground powder, or instant granules.
Synonyms: coffee beans, coffee grounds, coffee powder, instant coffee
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for the raw material; refers to other types of seeds or grains used for beverages) tea leaves, cocoa beans, barley (for substitutes)
A serving of the beverage: A single cup or portion of the coffee beverage.
Synonyms: cup of coffee, mug, demitasse (for a small, strong cup)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, but implies the absence of a serving) none, an empty cup
A social gathering centered around coffee: An informal meeting or gathering where coffee and often other refreshments are served and conversation takes place.
Synonyms: coffee break, coffee morning, casual meeting, chat (when specifically referring to the interaction)
Antonyms: formal meeting, solitude, isolation
A color: A medium to dark brown color, resembling that of brewed coffee, often with a reddish or yellowish tint.
Synonyms: brown, sepia, chestnut, mocha, umber, chocolate
Antonyms: white, black, vibrant (referring to a non-brown color)
Adjective
Of the color coffee: Having a medium to dark brown color, similar to that of brewed coffee.
Synonyms: brownish, sepia-toned, chestnut-colored, mocha-colored
Antonyms: colorless, pale, bright (when describing a color)
Verb (Informal/Colloquial Usage)
To provide or serve coffee to someone: To offer or give someone coffee, often with the implication of hospitality or a pick-me-up.
Synonyms: refresh (with coffee), serve coffee to, perk up (when implying the effect of the coffee)
Antonyms: deprive of coffee, withhold coffee
To drink coffee, often to increase alertness: To consume coffee, typically for its stimulating effects, especially when feeling tired.
Synonyms: perk up (informal), caffeinate oneself, jolt (informal), get a coffee
Antonyms: wind down, de-stress, relax (when referring to effects opposite to coffee's stimulation)
Examples of Use
Books
"He drank his coffee black, a habit acquired during his years in the military." (From a fictional novel, general usage)
"The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a comforting scent that promised a new day." (From a descriptive passage in a novel, appealing to senses)
"She found solace in the routine of her morning coffee, a quiet moment before the chaos of the day began." (From a character's reflection in a novel)
Newspapers
"Coffee prices are expected to rise next quarter due to adverse weather conditions in key growing regions." (Business section of a newspaper, discussing commodity markets)
"Local cafe hosts 'community coffee morning' to support charitable initiatives." (Local news section of a newspaper, referring to a social gathering)
"New study links moderate coffee consumption to improved cardiovascular health." (Health section of a newspaper, discussing research findings)
Online Publications
"5 Best Home Coffee Makers for Every Budget in 2024." (Headline on a lifestyle blog or tech review site)
"Why Your Morning Coffee Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good." (Article title on a health and wellness website)
"The Complete Guide to French Press Coffee Brewing." (Tutorial or recipe on a food blog)
"Researchers discover new species of coffee plant in remote rainforest." (Science news website, referring to the plant itself)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film Dialogue: "Care for some coffee? It's freshly ground." (Common line in a domestic or office scene in movies/TV shows)
Song Lyrics: "I've had a lot of coffee today, and I'm still tired." (From a popular song, expressing a common sentiment)
Podcast Ad: "This episode is brought to you by 'Mornings with Joe,' your daily dose of news and coffee chat." (Podcast advertising, linking to a social gathering/discussion)
Video Game: A character's dialogue option: "Let's grab a coffee and talk strategy." (In-game dialogue, often referring to a social interaction or planning session)
Social Media Post: "Starting my day with a strong coffee and good vibes! #coffeelover #morningritual" (Personal post on Instagram/X, referring to the beverage and personal routine)
YouTube Tutorial: "How to make the perfect latte art with your home espresso machine - Coffee Art Tutorial." (Video title, focusing on a specific preparation aspect)
General Public Discourse
"I need my morning coffee before I can even think straight." (Common casual remark among friends/colleagues)
"Let's meet for coffee next week to discuss the project." (Common suggestion for an informal business or social meeting)
"Could you pass me the coffee? My cup is empty." (Everyday request at a breakfast table or gathering)
"This new cafe has really good coffee." (Casual review/recommendation in conversation)
"I'm feeling a bit sluggish; I might need a coffee break." (Informal expression in a workplace or study environment)
10 Famous Quotes Using Coffee
"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons." (T.S. Eliot, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock")
"Behind every successful man is a substantial amount of coffee." (Attributed to Confucius, though likely apocryphal)
"No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse. And you can always have coffee." (Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun)
"I like my coffee like I like my mornings: dark and strong." (Unknown, widely attributed)
"I believe in a lot of coffee." (Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live creator, in interviews)
"Coffee is a language in itself." (Jackie Chan, likely a paraphrase or attributed)
"To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions." (Hugh Jackman, various interviews)
"My ideal day is a cup of coffee with some friends, then a good workout, and then I'm off to create." (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, various interviews)
"What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?" (Anthony Trollope, The Last Chronicle of Barset)
"I never laugh until I've had my coffee." (Clark Gable, widely quoted)
Etymology
The word "coffee" has a fascinating journey through different languages!
It entered the English language around 1582. We got it from the Dutch word "koffie."
But where did the Dutch get it from? They borrowed it from the Ottoman Turkish word "kahve."
And the Turkish word, in turn, came from the Arabic word "qahwah."
Now, here's where it gets a little debated:
Original Arabic Meaning: Some scholars believe that in Arabic, "qahwah" originally referred to a type of wine or a drink that caused a lack of appetite. It might have also meant "the dark one," referring to the dark color of the brew.
Ethiopian Connection: Another strong theory is that the Arabic word itself might have roots in Kaffa (or Kefa), a region in Ethiopia where coffee plants naturally grow. Even though the word for the coffee bean in that region was "bunn," the sound "kof" or "kaf" might have influenced the name of the drink.
So, in short: English got "coffee" from Dutch, Dutch got it from Turkish, and Turkish got it from Arabic. The Arabic word "qahwah" likely referred to a dark, stimulating drink, possibly connected to the Kaffa region of Ethiopia where coffee originated.
The very first known use of the word "coffee" (or very early forms like "chaoua") in English texts dates back to the late 16th century, referring to this new, invigorating beverage.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Coffee
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "coffee":
Coffee break: A short period of time, usually during work, when people stop working to drink coffee and relax.
Coffee run: A trip to a coffee shop to buy coffee for oneself or others.
Coffee table book: A large, expensive, heavily illustrated book intended for casual Browse, typically placed on a coffee table.
Coffee talk/chat: An informal conversation, often over coffee.
Coffee shop: An establishment that primarily serves coffee and often other beverages and snacks.
To go for coffee: To meet someone for a casual chat and a drink.
Coffee buzz: The stimulating effect experienced after drinking coffee.
Coffee bean: The seed of the coffee plant, roasted and ground to make coffee.
Coffee machine/maker: An appliance used to brew coffee.
Black coffee: Coffee without milk or sugar.
Decaf coffee: Coffee with most of its caffeine removed.
Coffee culture: The social habits and traditions associated with the consumption of coffee.
The smell of coffee: A strong, pleasant aroma often associated with comfort or morning.
Coffee-fueled: Powered or energized by coffee (e.g., "a coffee-fueled work session").
To spill the coffee (or tea): To reveal a secret or gossip (more common with "tea," but can be adapted).
Not my cup of coffee: (Adapting "not my cup of tea") Something that one does not like or is not interested in.
To perk up with coffee: To become more energetic or lively after drinking coffee.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of coffee from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
